The Teacher’s Gift

Dear Delyara, To Mr. Henderson: You told me in tenth grade that I had a voice worth hearing. I didn't believe you then. I was a stuttering mess. But today, I gave a speech to 500 people. I remembered your face in that dusty classroom. Thank you for seeing the fire in me before I could even feel the warmth. I am who I am because you didn't give up on the "quiet kid."